Stafford finally got to start an already disrupted season by hosting a local cup match against neighbouring Willenhall. The visitors travelled on the back of an impressive 25/26 campaign which had seen them finish in a well-deserved second placed league position, gaining promotion. Stafford fielded a slightly refreshed line up with some more established players supported by a few younger seniors and a couple of new or returning faces. The sun bathed a warm September day as rugby recommenced at Blackberry Lane.

The first quarter was a very evenly matched period as the teams sized each other up. Neither side could build any significant advantage as the summer rested legs worked their way into a full flight game of rugby. It took some mistimed tackles to tease open some space and an exuberant Willenhall poured through. An eventual individual run eluded all of the defenders but as the visiting player stumbled across the line, the tiring effort caught up and the ball was dropped. Stafford managed to clear their lines and some diligent chasing set up an immediate counter attack in the opposition end. A subsequent maul caught Willenhall napping but they managed to haul down the drive short of the line. The ball flew out of the base and Rob Jones crashed across for the opening try, converted by Henry Ralphs. Both teams were putting in some big hits as their bodies absorbed the early season contact. A clumsy tackle disrupted the flow, Stafford were penalised and the yellow card reduced them to a temporary fourteen on the pitch. Willenhall took instant advantage and a converted try bought the scores level. The home side settled into a strong defence and looked to be manging the clock towards the break. But some relentless visiting rugby eventually pinned the county town team onto their own line. A couple of incursions were thrown back but the extra man proved to be the difference and a hard-working Willenhall took their second try of the game. Stafford went into half time trailing 7 – 14 but having played some good periods of rugby.

With the start of the second half, Stafford were restored to a full XV on the pitch and swept back into the encounter. Willenhall were forced backwards until their try line was in tantalising sight. The visiting defence were on the wrong end of a couple of decisions which conceded ground, culminating in a Stafford penalty. Henry Ralphs stepped up and slotted the ball between the uprights to cut the deficit to four points. The momentum swung again when Stafford were penalised through a second yellow card, reducing their operating numbers to a temporary fourteen for the second time in the match. Willenhall required no more invitation and some solid rugby added two more tries before the home side were restored to a full team. Stafford tried to get some continuity back into their afternoon but struggled to contain the tiring rugby being thrown at them. The referee’s whistle was increasingly required and the home side surrendered precious territory for infringements. Willenhall were too clinical in the closing periods and found plenty of space around the scrambling Stafford defence. Two more visiting tries closed off the game and bought an end to what had become a long second half for the Blackberry Lane XV.

Next 1st XV Match: Saturday 12th September, Shrewsbury 1st XV. Home Friendly. KO 14.30.